Antidepressants
Name at least 2 of the different types of antidepressants.
Tricyclics, MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs
True or False: Abruptly stopping antipsychotic medications can have serious side effects including withdrawal or triggering of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations.
True - Always work with your doctor to stop or decrease meds!
Mood Stabilizers are most often used to treat what psychiatric disorder?
Bipolar Disorder
What type of psych medications that are usually used for another disorder can often be used to treat anxiety?
Antidepressants - specifically SSRIs
True or False: You can stop taking psych medications on your own if you feel better and your symptoms improve.
False. Always work with your doctor to change or stop medications. Stopping improperly or too quickly can lead to complications, serious side effects, withdrawal, or increased psychiatric symptoms or severe episodes.
Which type of antidepressant was the first line of treatment for depression from about the 1960s to the 1980s?
Tricyclics - specific tricyclics include: Tofranil, Elavil, Pamelor, Sinequan, Desyrel, Ascendin, Vivactil, Ludiomil, Norpramin
First newer type of antipsychotic that has proven effective with often treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Often has fewer of the older side effects such as tardive dyskenesia, but requires rigorous blood testing.
Clozaril - 100 pt bonus: Why is the blood testing important when taking Clozaril?
Medication of choice to treat Bipolar Disorder prior to newer medications being introduced. Requires regular blood testing including thyroid tests to monitor for possible health related side effects.
Lithium - 100pt bonus: Why is the blood testing and monitoring important for Lithium?
What type of medications are used specifically to treat anxiety, work as sedatives, and have to be used with caution due to their potential for building a tolerance or becoming habit-forming?
Benzodiazepines
How long should you give your medications to work before stopping or changing (with the help of your doctor!)
At least 6 weeks. Some medications can take several months to reach their full effects. Also when changing medications, previous ones that have been stopped can remain in your body for some time and affect the efficacy of the new ones.
When taking MAOIs, what is important to be aware of regarding overall health?
Lots of possible interactions including foods, drinks, other medications - even OTC, so must adhere to strict dietary restrictions
100 bonus points - what can happen when MAOIs interact with "tyramine"?
This type of antipsychotics was first introduced in the 1950s and include Haldol, Prolixin, Stelazine, and Thorazine
Typical Antipsychotics
Name two other types of medications that can also be prescribed to work as Mood Stablizers.
Certain anticonvulsant medications (seizure medication) and some atypical antipsychotics.
What is important to avoid when taking Benzodiazepines and why?
Alcohol and Opiates. The interaction can cause a dangerous drop in central nervous system activity which could possibly be fatal.
What are three populations of people that have special considerations and needs regarding psychiatric medications?
Children, Older/Elderly Adults, Pregnant Women
100 point bonus: Name one reason each of these populations needs to practice caution with medications
What is an extreme and potentially fatal side effect with SSRIs, specifically when combining them with another medication that affects Serotonin such as an MAOI?
Serotonin Syndrome - serious and potentially fatal, symptoms include fever, confusion, muscle rigidity, and cardiac, kidney, or liver problems
Newer class of antipsychotics introduced in the 1990s. Typically tolerated better than older types of antipsychotics when it comes to possible side effects.
Atypical Antipsychotics
If a person taking a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant abruptly stops taking their mood stabilizer, what harmful side effects could happen?
They greatly increase their risk of having a manic episode or developing rapid cycling. Also, abrupt withdrawal of some medications can cause seizures.
What other medication aside from Benzodiazepines is approved specifically for anxiety treatment?
Buspirone (BuSpar). 100 point bonus - How does BuSpar work differently than Benzodiapines on anxiety?
What is something to be aware of regarding women with Bipolar Disorder and pregnancy?
They are at especially high risk for a postpartum depressive episode.
100 point bonus: What is important to consider when taking oral contraceptive medications?
Name one well-known depression medication that is different from the other categories and is sometimes used along with other depression meds. It is also sometimes used to help people quit smoking.
Wellbutrin (Buproprion)
100 point bonus - name at least 2 SNRIs
Name 5 different Atypical antipsychotic medications.
Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel, Geodon, Abilify, Invega, Saphris, Fanapt, Latuda, Rexulti, Vraylar, Clozaril
Name five anticonvulsant or atypical antipsychotic medications that can be used as mood stabilizers.
Anticonvulsants - Depakote, Lamicatal, Topamax, Tegretol, Trileptal, Neurontin
Atypical Antipsychotics - Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, Abilify, Saphris, Latuda, Symbyax
Name at least one other type of medication usually prescribed for other conditions that can be prescribed to treat anxiety?
Beta blockers (Inderide, usually used for blood pressure or heart conditions), Gabapentin (Neurontin - anticonvulsant), D-Cycloserine (originally for tuberculosis, helpful for exposure therapy)
What are two other types of categories of psych medications, often prescribed for ADHD treatment or for anesthesia uses?
Stimulants and Sedatives
100 point bonus - Name at least 3 types of Stimulant or Sedative medications